U.S. patent application number 14/753248 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-11 for fluid analysis cartridge and fluid analysis apparatus having the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hee Sung CHO, Tae Sung GWEON, Hyun-Suk KANG, Chang-Sik KIM.
Application Number | 20160038934 14/753248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55266697 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160038934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GWEON; Tae Sung ; et
al. |
February 11, 2016 |
FLUID ANALYSIS CARTRIDGE AND FLUID ANALYSIS APPARATUS HAVING THE
SAME
Abstract
A fluid analysis apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge
comprising a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid
sample; and a pressing member configured to press and seal the
fluid supplying part, wherein the pressing member is configured to
couple with the fluid analysis cartridge so that the fluid
supplying part is inserted into the pressing member.
Inventors: |
GWEON; Tae Sung; (Osan-si,
KR) ; KIM; Chang-Sik; (Suwon-si, KR) ; KANG;
Hyun-Suk; (Suwon-si, KR) ; CHO; Hee Sung;
(Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
55266697 |
Appl. No.: |
14/753248 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 2300/042 20130101;
B01L 2400/0481 20130101; B01L 2200/027 20130101; B01L 2300/0816
20130101; B01L 2300/0681 20130101; B01L 2300/0864 20130101; B01L
2200/0689 20130101; B01L 2300/123 20130101; B01L 3/50273 20130101;
B01L 3/502715 20130101; B01L 2300/046 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01L 3/00 20060101
B01L003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 8, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0102476 |
Claims
1. A fluid analysis apparatus comprising: a fluid analysis
cartridge comprising a fluid supplying part configured to supply a
fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to press and seal
the fluid supplying part, wherein the pressing member is configured
to couple with the fluid analysis cartridge so that the fluid
supplying part is inserted into the pressing member.
2. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
fluid supplying part comprises a protrusion from the fluid analysis
cartridge directed towards the pressing member when the pressing
member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge, and wherein
the pressing member is configured to couple to the fluid supplying
part so as to contact at least one surface of the fluid supplying
part.
3. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
pressing member comprises at least one rib formed on an inner
surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being
configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part
when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis
cartridge.
4. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
pressing member comprises at least one rib formed on an inner
surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being
configured to contact an outer circumference of the fluid supplying
part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis
cartridge.
5. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
pressing member comprises at least one rib formed on an inner
surface of the pressing member and protruding inward to the
pressing member, and wherein the at least one rib is configured to
contact an outer circumference of the fluid supplying part, when
the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge,
thereby sealing the fluid supplying part.
6. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
at least one rib is integrally formed with the pressing member.
7. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
at least one rib is comprised of a flexible material.
8. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
flexible material comprises at least one of a rubber and a
silicone.
9. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
at least one rib comprises: a head connected to the inner surface
of the pressing member; and a tail disposed to be in direct contact
with an outer surface of the fluid supplying part when the pressing
member is coupled with the fluid supplying part, and wherein a
width of the head is the greater than or equal to a width of the
tail.
10. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the
tail comprises a pointed end.
11. A fluid analysis apparatus comprising: a fluid analysis
cartridge comprising a fluid supplying part configured to supply a
fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to couple with the
fluid supplying part so as to seal the fluid supplying part, the
pressing member comprising at least one rib disposed on an inner
surface of the pressing member and configured to contact a side
surface of the fluid supplying part, thereby sealing the fluid
supplying part.
12. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
fluid supplying part comprises an upward protrusion, wherein an
outer surface of the upward protrusion is a side surface of the
fluid supplying part, and wherein the at least one rib is
configured to contact the outer surface when the pressing member is
coupled with the fluid supplying part.
13. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
fluid supplying part comprises: a base provided on the fluid
analysis cartridge and comprising a seating surface on which the
pressing member is seated when the pressing member is coupled with
the fluid supplying part; and a body extending upward from the base
and comprising a contact surface, wherein the contact surface is an
outer surface of the upward protrusion, and wherein the at least
one rib is configured to contact the contact surface of the body
when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying
part.
14. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the
contact surface is provided along an outer circumference of the
body.
15. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a
width of the base is greater than a width of the body.
16. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
at least one rib is comprised of at least one of a rubber material
and a silicone material.
17. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
at least one rib is disposed on the inner surface of the pressing
member and protrudes inward to the pressing member.
18. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein,
when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part,
the at least one rib is bent in a coupling direction of the
pressing member to the fluid supplying part by a process in which
the pressing member is coupled to the fluid supplying part.
19. The fluid analysis apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
at least one rib comprises: a head connected to the inner surface
of the pressing member; a tail configured to directly contact the
side surface of the fluid supplying part when the pressing member
is coupled with the fluid supplying part; and a connection part
connecting the head and the tail, and wherein a width of the tail
is less than or equal to at least one of a width of the head and a
width of the connection part.
20. A fluid analysis cartridge configured to be coupled to a
pressing member of a fluid analysis apparatus so as to be pressed
by the pressing member, the fluid analysis cartridge comprising: a
fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample, wherein
the fluid supplying part protrudes upward and gradually inclines
inward to the fluid supplying part in an upward direction, such
that, when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying
part, the pressing member is coupled along a side surface of the
fluid supplying part.
21. A fluid analysis apparatus configured to seal a fluid supplying
part of a fluid analysis cartridge, the fluid analysis apparatus
comprising: a pressing member configured to seal the fluid
supplying part, wherein the pressing member comprises at least one
rib disposed on an inner surface of the pressing member and
configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part,
thereby sealing the fluid supplying part.
22. A fluid analysis cartridge configured to be sealed by a
pressing member of a fluid analysis apparatus, the fluid analysis
cartridge comprising: a fluid supplying part configured to supply a
fluid sample, the fluid supplying part comprising: a base
comprising a seating surface on which the pressing member sits when
the pressing member seals the fluid supplying part; and a body
extending upward from the base and comprising a contact surface
contacted by an inner surface of the pressing member when the
pressing member seals the fluid supplying part.
23. The fluid analysis cartridge according to claim 22, wherein an
outer surface of the body inclines inward to the fluid supplying
part in an upward direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2014-0102476, filed on Aug. 8, 2014 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a fluid analysis
cartridge and a fluid analysis apparatus having the same, and more
particularly, to a fluid analysis cartridge having an improved
structure capable of enhancing inspection reliability, and a fluid
analysis apparatus having the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An apparatus and method of analyzing a fluid sample is
required in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, food
inspection, and medical diagnosis. In the related art, to perform
an inspection according to predetermined protocols, skilled
experimenters must manually perform various processes such as
reagent injections, mixing operations, separating and moving
operations, reacting operations, and centrifugal separating
operations. These manually performed operations can cause errors in
an inspection result.
[0006] To address this problem, a compact and automated apparatus
for rapidly analyzing an inspection material has been developed. In
particular, there is a portable fluid analysis cartridge for
analyzing a fluid sample and performing various functions in
various fields. An advantage of the portable fluid analysis
cartridge is that an unskilled person can easily perform an
inspection.
[0007] However, when a foreign substance is located on a contact
portion between a fluid analysis cartridge and a fluid analysis
apparatus, a predetermined pressure may not be maintained between
the fluid analysis cartridge and the fluid analysis apparatus.
Therefore, it may be difficult to inject and inspect a fluid
sample. Further, when a crack forms in the fluid analysis
cartridge, a loss of pressure through the crack may occur at the
contact portion between the fluid analysis cartridge and the fluid
analysis apparatus, and this may affect the inspection result.
[0008] Therefore, a fluid analysis cartridge and fluid analysis
apparatus having an improved structure and function is needed.
SUMMARY
[0009] Therefore, it is an aspect of one or more exemplary
embodiments to provide a fluid analysis cartridge having an
improved structure which is capable of easily injecting a fluid
therein, and a fluid analysis apparatus having the same.
[0010] It is another aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments to
provide a fluid analysis cartridge having an improved structure
which is capable of maintaining a predetermined pressure at a
contact portion between the fluid analysis cartridge and a fluid
analysis apparatus, and the fluid analysis apparatus having the
same.
[0011] In accordance with an aspect of one or more exemplary
embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis apparatus
including: a fluid analysis cartridge including a fluid supplying
part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing member
configured to press and seal the fluid supplying part, wherein the
pressing member is configured to couple with the fluid analysis
cartridge so that the fluid supplying part is inserted into the
pressing member.
[0012] The fluid supplying part may include a protrusion from the
fluid analysis cartridge directed towards the pressing member when
the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge,
and the pressing member may be configured to couple to the fluid
supplying part so as to contact at least one surface of the fluid
supplying part.
[0013] The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on
an inner surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being
configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part
when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis
cartridge.
[0014] The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on
an inner surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being
configured to contact an outer circumference of the fluid supplying
part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis
cartridge.
[0015] The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on
an inner surface of the pressing member and protruding inward, and
the at least one rib may be configured to contact an outer
circumference of the fluid supplying part, when the pressing member
is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge, sealing the fluid
supplying part.
[0016] The at least one rib may be integrally formed with the
pressing member.
[0017] The at least one rib may be formed from a flexible
material.
[0018] The flexible material may be at least one of a rubber and a
silicone.
[0019] The at least one rib may include: a head connected to the
inner surface of the pressing member; and a tail disposed to be in
direct contact with an outer surface of the fluid supplying part
when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part.
A width of the head may be greater than or equal to a width of the
tail.
[0020] The tail may include a pointed end.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of an aspect of one or
more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis
apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge including a fluid
supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing
member configured to couple with the fluid supplying part so as to
seal the fluid supplying part, the pressing member including at
least one rib disposed on an inner surface of the pressing member
and configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying
part, sealing the fluid supplying part.
[0022] The fluid supplying part may include an upward protrusion,
an outer surface of the upward protrusion may be a side surface of
the fluid supplying part, and the at least one rib may be
configured to contact the outer surface when the pressing member is
coupled with the fluid supplying part.
[0023] The fluid supplying part may include: a base provided on the
fluid analysis cartridge and including a seating surface on which
the pressing member is seated when the pressing member is coupled
with the fluid supplying part; and a body extending upward from the
base and including a contact surface. The contact surface may be an
outer surface of the upward protrusion, and the at least one rib
may be configured to contact the contact surface of the body when
the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part.
[0024] The contact surface may be provided along an outer
circumference of the body.
[0025] A width of the base may be greater than a width of the
body.
[0026] The at least one rib may be formed of at least one of a
rubber material and a silicone material.
[0027] The at least one rib may be disposed on the inner surface of
the pressing member and protrude inward.
[0028] When the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying
part, the at least one rib may be bent in a coupling direction of
the pressing member to the fluid supplying part by a process in
which the pressing member is coupled to the fluid supplying
part.
[0029] The at least one rib may include: a head connected to the
inner surface of the pressing member; a tail configured to directly
contact the side surface of the fluid supplying part when the
pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part; and a
connection part connecting the head and the tail. A width of the
tail may be less than or equal to at least one of a width of the
head and a width of the connection part.
[0030] In accordance with still another aspect of an aspect of one
or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis
cartridge configured to be coupled to a pressing member of a fluid
analysis apparatus so as to be pressed by the pressing member, the
fluid analysis cartridge including: a fluid supplying part
configured to supply a fluid sample. The fluid supplying part may
protrude upward and gradually incline inward in an upward
direction, such that, when the pressing member is coupled with the
fluid supplying part, the pressing member is coupled along a side
surface of the fluid supplying part.
[0031] In accordance with another aspect of an aspect of one or
more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis
apparatus configured to seal a fluid supplying part of a fluid
analysis cartridge, the fluid analysis apparatus including: a
pressing member configured to seal the fluid supplying part. The
pressing member includes at least one rib disposed on an inner
surface of the pressing member and configured to contact a side
surface of the fluid supplying part, sealing the fluid supplying
part.
[0032] In accordance with still another aspect of an aspect of one
or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis
cartridge configured to be sealed by a pressing member of a fluid
analysis apparatus, the fluid analysis cartridge including: a fluid
supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample, the fluid
supplying part including: a base including a seating surface on
which the pressing member sits when the pressing member seals the
fluid supplying part; and a body extending upward from the base and
including a contact surface contacted by an inner surface of the
pressing member when the pressing member seals the fluid supplying
part.
[0033] An outer surface of the body may incline inward to the fluid
supplying part in an upward direction.
[0034] Additional aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part,
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of one or more exemplary embodiments
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] These and/or other aspects of one or more exemplary
embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from
the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a
fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a fluid analysis
cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating an inspection unit
of the fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the inspection unit of
the fluid analysis cartridge of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A'
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of portion G of FIG. 4A;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a pressing member
of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pressing
member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of portion H of FIG. 6A;
[0044] FIGS. 7A to 7D are views illustrating various configurations
of a rib provided at the pressing member of the fluid analysis
apparatus in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments;
and
[0045] FIG. 8A is a view illustrating a state before the fluid
analysis cartridge is pressed by the pressing member of the fluid
analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portion J of FIG. 8A;
[0047] FIG. 9A is a view illustrating a state in which the fluid
analysis cartridge is pressed by the pressing member of the fluid
analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0048] FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of portion K of FIG. 9A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Spatially relative terms, such as "front end," "rear end," "lower,"
"upper," "upper end," "lower end," and the like, are in reference
to the drawings, and a shape and a position of each element are not
limited by these terms.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a
fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fluid analysis apparatus 1 may
include a casing 10 which forms an exterior, and a door module 20
provided on a front portion of the casing 10.
[0052] The door module 20 may include a display part 21, i.e., a
display, a door 22, and a door frame 23. The display part 21 and
the door 22 may be disposed at the front of the door frame 23. The
display part 21 may be located above the door 22. The door 22 is
slidable. The door 22 may be disposed to the rear of the display
part 21, when the door 22 is open.
[0053] Information on a sample analysis, an operation state of the
sample analysis, and the like may be provided through the display
part 21. An installation member 32 in which a fluid analysis
cartridge 40 accommodating a fluid specimen (a fluid sample) is
installed may be provided within the door frame 23. A user may
slide up and open the door 22, install, i.e., insert, the fluid
analysis cartridge 40 into the installation member 32, slide down
and close the door 22, and then perform an analysis operation.
[0054] The fluid analysis apparatus 1 may further include the fluid
analysis cartridge 40.
[0055] The fluid analysis cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to
the fluid analysis apparatus 1.
[0056] The fluid specimen is injected into the fluid analysis
cartridge 40 and then reacts with a reagent at an inspection unit
45 (FIG. 2). The fluid analysis cartridge 40 is installed into the
installation member 32 and pressed by a pressing member 30, and
thus the fluid specimen in the fluid analysis cartridge 40 may be
introduced into the inspection unit 45. The pressing member 30 may
be coupled to a lever 80 of the fluid analysis apparatus 1.
[0057] The fluid analysis apparatus 1 may further include an output
part 11, e.g., a printer, other than the display part 21, which
outputs an inspection result in the form of a printed material.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the fluid analysis
cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter,
reference numerals which are not illustrated refer to FIG. 1.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluid analysis cartridge 40
may be inserted into the installation member 32 of the fluid
analysis apparatus 1.
[0060] The fluid analysis cartridge 40 may include a housing 41
exterior, and the inspection unit 45 in which the fluid meets and
reacts with the reagent.
[0061] The housing 41 may support the fluid analysis cartridge 40.
Also, the housing 41 may include a grasping part which allows the
user to grasp the fluid analysis cartridge 40. The grasping part is
formed in a streamlined protrusion shape so as to allow the user to
stably grasp the fluid analysis cartridge 40.
[0062] Also, a fluid supplying part 42 which supplies the fluid
sample may be provided in the fluid analysis cartridge 40. The
fluid supplying part 42 may include a supplying hole 42b through
which the fluid sample is introduced into the inspection unit 45,
and a supply assisting portion 42a which assists the supplying of
the fluid. The fluid which is inspected in the fluid analysis
apparatus 1 is supplied into the fluid supplying part 42. The fluid
may include, for example, a biological sample, such as, as
non-limiting examples, urine, saliva, blood, tissue fluid, lymph
fluid, and an environmental sample for water quality management and
soil management. However, one or more exemplary embodiments are not
limited thereto.
[0063] The supplying hole 42b may be formed in a circular shape.
However, the supplying hole 42b is not limited thereto, and may be
formed in a polygonal or partially curved shape. The user may drop
the fluid specimen into the fluid supplying part 42 using a tool
such as a pipette and a spuit. The supply assisting portion 42a may
be formed around the supplying hole 42b and inclined toward the
supplying hole 42b. Therefore, the fluid sample dropped around the
supplying hole 42b may flow along a slope of the supply assisting
portion 42a into the supplying hole 42b. Specifically, when the
user does not precisely drop the fluid sample into the supplying
hole 42b, some of the fluid sample is dropped around the supplying
hole 42b, the fluid sample may be introduced into the supplying
hole 42b via the slope of the supply assisting portion 42a.
[0064] Further, the supply assisting portion 42a may prevent the
fluid analysis cartridge 40 from being contaminated by the
erroneously supplied fluid sample, as well as may assist the
supplying of the fluid sample. Even when the fluid sample is not
precisely dropped into the supplying hole 42b, the supply assisting
portion 42a formed around the supplying hole 42b prevents the fluid
sample from flowing toward the inspection unit 45 or the grasping
part, and thus contamination of the fluid analysis cartridge 40 due
to the fluid sample may be prevented. Furthermore, a fluid sample
which may be harmful to the human body may be prevented from
contacting the user.
[0065] The fluid supplying part 42 may include at least one
supplying hole 42b. When the fluid supplying part 42 includes a
plurality of supplying holes 42b, the inspection with respect to a
plurality of fluid samples which are different from each other may
be performed in one fluid analysis cartridge 40. Here, the
plurality of fluid samples which are different from each other may
be a same kind of fluid, but may be from sources, e.g., blood
samples from two different people. Alternatively, the kinds of
fluids and the sources thereof may be different from each other.
Alternatively, the kinds of fluids and the sources thereof may be
the same, but the plurality of fluid samples may be in different
states.
[0066] The fluid supplying part 42 may be formed protruding from
the fluid analysis cartridge 40 and thus to face the pressing
member 30. Specifically, the fluid supplying part 42 may be formed
protruding from the housing 41 of the fluid analysis cartridge 40
and thus faces the pressing member 30, when the fluid analysis
cartridge 40 is inserted into the installation member 32. In other
words, the fluid supplying part 42 may be formed to protruding
upward from the housing 41 of the fluid analysis cartridge 40.
[0067] The fluid supplying part 42 may include a base 110 and a
body 120.
[0068] The base 110 may be disposed on the fluid analysis cartridge
40. The base 110 may be disposed on the housing 41 of the fluid
analysis cartridge 40. The base 110 may have a seating surface 110a
on which the pressing member 30 may be seated. The seating surface
110a may be provided on an upper surface of the base 110. Also, the
seating surface 110a may be provided along a circumference of the
body 120.
[0069] The body 120 may extend upward from the base 110. The body
120 may have a contact surface 120a with which at least one rib 130
may be in contact, i.e., close contact. The contact surface 120a
may be provided along an outer circumference of the body 120. In
other words, the contact surface 120a may be provided along a side
surface of the body 120. The supplying hole 42b and the supply
assisting portion 42a may be provided at the body 120.
[0070] The fluid supplying part 42 may have a cylindrical shape.
The fluid supplying part 42 may have a shape in which cylinders of
different diameters are stacked or overlap. A diameter of the base
110 may be greater than that of the body 120. However, the shape of
the fluid supplying part 42 is not limited to the cylinder, and may
be modified.
[0071] The body 120 may extend from the base 110, stepped in from
an outer diameter of the base 110.
[0072] A width of the base 110 may be greater than that of the body
120.
[0073] The seating surface 110a of the base 110 may be provided at
one surface of the base 110 corresponding to an outside of the body
120.
[0074] The fluid supply part 42 may be formed gradually inclined
inward as the fluid supply part 42 extends upward, such that the
pressing member 30 is in contact with a side surface of the fluid
supplying part 42. Specifically, the body 120 of the fluid
supplying part 42 may be formed to be gradually inclined inward in
an upward direction of the fluid supplying part 42, such that the
pressing member 30 is disposed along the side surface of the fluid
supplying part 42. The pressing member 30 may press the fluid
supplying part 42. In other words, the pressing member 30 may be in
contact with the fluid supplying part 42 so as to press the fluid
supplying part 42. When the pressing member 30 is in contact with
the fluid supplying part 42, the fluid supplying part 42 is sealed.
Therefore, a pressure is applied to the fluid supplying part 42.
The fluid sample is transferred from fluid supplying part 42 to the
inspection unit 45 by pressure applied to the fluid supplying part
42. The fluid supplying part 42 may be formed to be gradually
inclined inward in the upward direction of the fluid supplying part
42, such that the coupling of the pressing member 30 with the fluid
supplying part 42 is performed, when the pressing member 30 is in
contact with the fluid supplying part 42.
[0075] The housing 41 may be in contact with the fluid sample,
while having a shape for implementing a particular function, and
thus may be formed of a chemically and biologically inactive
material. For example, the housing 41 may be formed of various
materials, such as an acrylic material including
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a polysiloxane material including
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a polyethylene material including
polycarbonate (PC), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low
density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE),
and high density polyethylene (HDPE), a plastic material including
polyvinylalcohol, very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and
cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), glass, mica, silica, and a
semiconductor wafer. However, the above-mentioned materials are
just examples, and one or more exemplary embodiments are not
limited thereto. Any materials having chemical and biological
stability and mechanical machinability may be used as the materials
of the housing 41.
[0076] The fluid analysis cartridge 40 may be provided so that the
inspection unit 45 is coupled thereto or in contact therewith. The
fluid injected through the fluid supplying part 42 is introduced
into the inspection unit 45, and reacts with the reagent in the
inspection unit 45. Accordingly, an inspection may be performed.
The inspection unit 45 includes an inspection part 47b, and the
inspection part 47b may accommodate the reagent which reacts with
the fluid.
[0077] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the inspection unit
of the fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inspection unit 45 of the
fluid analysis cartridge 40 may have a structure in which three
plates 46, 47, and 48 are bonded together. The three plates 46, 47,
and 48 may be divided into an upper plate 46, a middle plate 47,
and a lower plate 48. The upper plate 46 and the lower plate 48 are
light-shielded to protect the fluid sample moving to the inspection
part 47b from external light, and to prevent an error which may
occur when an optical property is measured in the inspection part
47b. The upper plate 46 and the lower plate 48 may be printed with
light-shielding ink.
[0079] Each of the upper plate 46 and the lower plate 48 may have a
thickness of 10 .mu.m to 30 .mu.m. The middle plate 47 may have a
thickness of 50 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m.
[0080] A film used to form the upper plate 46 and the lower plate
48 of the inspection unit 45 may be selected from a polyethylene
film, a polypropylene (PP) film, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, a
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polystyrene (PS) film and a
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film formed of very low density
polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low
density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE),
high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. However, these films
are just examples, and any films having chemical and biological
stability and mechanical machinability may be used as the films
which form the upper plate 46 and the lower plate 48 of the
inspection unit 45.
[0081] Unlike the upper plate 46 and the lower plate 48, the middle
plate 47 of the inspection unit 45 may be formed of a porous sheet.
The porous sheet may be formed of one or more of cellulose acetate,
nylon 6.6, nylon 6.10, and polyethersulfone. Since the middle plate
47 is formed of the porous sheet, the middle plate 47 serves as a
vent, and also allows the fluid sample to be moved in the
inspection unit 45 without a separate driving source. Also, in the
case in which the fluid sample has a hydrophilic property, the
middle plate 47 may be coated with a hydrophobic solution to
prevent the fluid sample from permeating an inside of the middle
plate 47.
[0082] An inlet port 46a through which the fluid sample is
introduced may be formed in the upper plate 46, and an area
corresponding to the inspection part 47b may be transparent. An
area 48b of the lower plate 48 corresponding to the inspection part
47b may also be transparent. Accordingly, an absorbance of a
reaction occurring in the inspection part 47b, i.e., an optical
property, may be measured.
[0083] An inlet port 47a through which the fluid sample is
introduced may also be formed in the middle plate 47, and the inlet
port 46a of the upper plate 46 and the inlet port 47a of the middle
plate 47 are overlapped with each other to form an inlet port 44
(FIG. 4A). In the inspection unit 45, various reactions for fluid
analysis may occur. In the case in blood is the fluid sample, the
reagent which develops a color or is discolored by a reaction with
a specific component of the blood (particularly, blood plasma) is
accommodated in the inspection part 47b, and the color developed in
the inspection part 47b may be optically detected and digitized.
Existence and absence of the specific component or a ratio of the
specific component in the blood may be checked through a digitized
value.
[0084] Also, a fluid path 47c which connects the inlet port 47a and
the inspection part 47b may be formed in the middle plate 47.
[0085] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the inspection unit of
the fluid analysis cartridge of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A', and
FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of portion G of FIG. 4A according to
one or more exemplary embodiments.
[0086] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fluid analysis
cartridge 40 may be formed in a method in which the inspection unit
45 is bonded to a lower portion of the housing 41. Specifically,
the inspection unit 45 may be bonded to a bottom side of the fluid
supplying part 42 in which the supplying hole 42b is provided. A
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be used in a bonding
operation of the housing 41 and the inspection unit 45. The PSA may
be adhere to a target object at room temperature with a small
amount of pressure applied for a short time, may be detached
without cohesive failure, and may not leave a residue on a surface
of the target object. However, the housing 41 and the inspection
unit 45 may be bonded by not only the PSA, but may also be bonded
using, as a non-limiting example, double-sided adhesive tape or
using an insertion method into a groove.
[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fluid sample
introduced through the supplying hole 42b passes through a
filtering part 43 and then is introduced into the inspection unit
45. The filtering part 43 may be inserted into the supplying hole
42b of the housing 41.
[0088] The filtering part 43 may include at least one porous
membrane or layer which has a plurality of pores to filter out
substances of a predetermined or greater size from the fluid
sample. In accordance with one embodiment, the filtering part 43
may include a two-layered filter. For example, a first filter may
be formed of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, an absorbent filter, or
the like, and a second filter may be formed of polycarbonate (PC),
polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene (PE), polysulfone (PS),
polyacrylsulfone (PASF), or the like.
[0089] When the filtering part 43 has two layers, the fluid sample
passing through an upper layer may be filtered once more by a lower
layer. Further, when a large amount of particles larger than the
predetermined size are introduced, the filtering part 43 may be
prevented from being torn or damaged. However, the filtering part
43 is not limited thereto, but may be formed having three or more
layers. Accordingly, a filtering function with respect to the fluid
sample is further improved, and stability of the filtering part 43
is increased. Each filtering part 43 may be secured by an adhesive
material such as the double-sided adhesive tape.
[0090] The inspection unit 45 may include the inlet port 44 through
which the fluid sample passing through the filtering part 43 is
introduced, the fluid path 47c through which the introduced fluid
sample is moved, and the inspection part 47b in which the fluid
sample reacts with the reagent.
[0091] The upper plate 46, the middle plate 47, and the lower plate
48 may be bonded by a double-sided adhesive tape 49. The
double-sided adhesive tape 49 may be attached on upper and lower
surfaces of the middle plate 47, and the upper plate 46, the middle
plate 47, and the lower plate 48 may be bonded to each other.
[0092] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the pressing
member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged
view of portion H of FIG. 6A.
[0093] The pressing member 30 may be in contact with the fluid
supplying part 42 so as to seal the fluid supplying part 42. The
pressing member 30 may be moved up and down to press the fluid
supplying part 42. In another aspect, the pressing member 30 may
press the fluid supplying part 42 using the principle of a lever.
The pressing member 30 may be coupled to the lever 80. The lever 80
is coupled to a shaft provided in the fluid analysis apparatus 1 so
as to be moved up and down. Therefore, the pressing member 30
coupled to the lever 80 may be moved up and down with the lever
80.
[0094] The pressing member 30 may be in contact with the fluid
analysis cartridge 40 so that the fluid supplying part 42 is
inserted into the pressing member 30. Specifically, the pressing
member 30 may be in contact with the base 110 of the fluid
supplying part 42 so that the body 120 of the fluid supplying part
42 is inserted into the pressing member 30. In a process in which
the pressing member 30 is in contact with the fluid analysis
cartridge 40, i.e., a process in which the pressing member 30 is in
contact with the base 110 of the fluid supplying part 42, one
surface of the pressing member 30 may be in close contact with the
seating surface 110a of the base 110. Since the pressing member 30
and the fluid supplying part 42 are in contact with each other so
that the pressing member 30 covers the fluid supplying part 42, a
loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part 42 may be
reduced. In other words, since the pressing member 30 and the fluid
supplying part 42 are in contact with each other so that the
pressing member 30 covers the fluid supplying part 42, a sealing
effect of the fluid supplying part 42 may be enhanced.
[0095] The pressing member 30 may be in contact with the fluid
supplying part 42 so as to press at least one surface of the fluid
supplying part 42. For example, the pressing member 30 may be in
contact with the fluid supplying part 42 to press the seating
surface 110a of the base 110. Also, at least one rib 130 of the
pressing member 30 may contact the fluid supplying part 42 so as to
press the contact surface 120a of the body 120.
[0096] The pressing member 30 may be formed of at least one of an
elastic material and a flexible material. For example, the pressing
member 30 may be formed of a rubber material.
[0097] The pressing member 30 may include at least one rib 130.
[0098] The at least one rib 130 may be formed at an inner surface
of the pressing member 30 so as to be in close contact with the
side surface of the fluid supplying part 42. The at least one rib
130 may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member 30 so
as to be in close contact with the outer side surface of the fluid
supplying part 42. Specifically, the at least one rib 130 may be
formed at the inner surface of the pressing member 30 so as to be
in close contact with the contact surface 120a of the body 120.
[0099] The at least one rib 130 may be formed at the inner surface
of the pressing member 30 so as to be in close contact with the
outer circumference of the fluid supplying part 42. Specifically,
the at least one rib 130 may be formed at the inner surface of the
pressing member 30 so as to be in close contact with an outer
circumference of the body 120.
[0100] The at least one rib 130 may be formed at the inner surface
of the pressing member 30 so as to protrude toward an inside of the
pressing member 30.
[0101] The at least one rib 130 may be bent in a process in which
the pressing member 30 and the fluid supplying part 42 are in
contact with each other. Specifically, the at least one rib 130 may
be bent in a coupling direction X (FIG. 8A) of the pressing member
30 or in a coupling direction Y (FIG. 8A) of the fluid supplying
part 42 in the process in which the pressing member 30 is put in
contact with the fluid supplying part 42. If the at least one rib
130 includes a plurality of ribs, the ribs may be formed to be
spaced apart so as to not interfere with each other when bent.
[0102] The at least one rib 130 may be integrally formed with the
pressing member 30. The at least one rib 130 may be formed
separately from the pressing member 30 and then may be in contact
with the pressing member 30.
[0103] The at least one rib 130 may include the flexible
material.
[0104] The at least one rib 130 may include at least one of a
rubber material and a silicone material.
[0105] The at least one rib 130 may include a head 131 and a tail
132.
[0106] The head 131 may be connected to the inner surface of the
pressing member 30.
[0107] The tail 132 may be connected to the outer surface of the
fluid supplying part 42. Specifically, when the pressing member 30
is in contact with the fluid supplying part 42, the tail 132 may be
connected to the contact surface 120a of the body 120.
[0108] A width of the head 131 may be the same as or greater than
that of the tail 132. The width of the head 131 may be greater than
that of the tail 132.
[0109] The tail 132 may have a sharp end 132a. The sharp end 132a
of the tail 132 may have an acute angle, but is not limited
thereto.
[0110] The at least one rib 130 may further include a connection
part 133 which connects the head 131 and the tail 132.
[0111] The width of the tail 132 may be the same as that of at
least one of the head 131 and the connection part 133, or may be
smaller than that of at least one of the head 131 and the
connection part 133. Preferably, the width of the tail 132 may be
smaller than that of at least one of the head 131 and the
connection part 133.
[0112] The sealing effect of the fluid supplying part 42 may be
further improved by forming at least one rib 130 at the inner
surface of the pressing member 30. That is, the at least one rib
130 may block a gap between the pressing member 30 and the fluid
supplying part 42 which are in contact with each other, and thus
the loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part 42 may be
effectively reduced.
[0113] FIGS. 7A to 7D are views illustrating various shapes of the
rib provided in the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus
in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the at least one rib 130
may have various shapes.
[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the head 131, the connection part
133, and the tail 132 may have the same width. Also, the at least
one rib 130 may have a quadrangular cross section.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the width of the head 131 may be
greater than those of the connection part 133 and the tail 132. The
connection part 133 and the tail 132 may have the same width.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the width of the head 131 may be
greater than those of the connection part 133 and the tail 132.
Also, the tail 132 may not have a sharp end 132a.
[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the width of the head 131 may the
same as the connection part 133 and greater than the tail 132.
Also, the tail 132 may have the sharp end 132a.
[0119] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the at least one rib 130
may have a polygonal cross section. However, a cross-sectional
shape of the at least one rib 130 is not limited to the polygonal
shape, and may have various shapes such as a circular shape and an
elliptical shape.
[0120] FIG. 8A is a view illustrating the fluid analysis cartridge
before being pressed by the pressing member in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portion J
of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9A is a view illustrating the fluid analysis
cartridge pressed by the pressing member in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of portion K
of FIG. 9A.
[0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 9B, the pressing member 30
may be in contact with the fluid supplying part 42, while pressing
the fluid supplying part 42. When the lever 80 is moved down about
the shaft, the pressing member 30 is integrally moved with the
lever 80 and contacted with the fluid supplying part 42. When the
pressing member 30 is in contact with the fluid supplying part 42,
the pressing member 30 is in close contact with the seating surface
110a of the base 110. Also, the at least one rib 130 provided at
the inner surface of the pressing member 30 may be bent in the
coupling direction X of the pressing member 30 or in the coupling
direction Y of the fluid supplying part 42 in the process in which
the pressing member 30 is contacted with the fluid supplying part
42. The at least one rib 130 may be in close contact with the outer
surface of the fluid supplying part 42. Specifically, the at least
one rib 130 may be in close contact with the contact surface 120a
of the body 120. When the pressing member 30 presses the fluid
supplying part 42, the close contact between the pressing member 30
and the fluid supplying part 42 occurs at a plurality of portions,
and thus a sealed state of the fluid supplying part 42 may be
effectively maintained. That is, in the process in which the
pressing member 30 presses the fluid supplying part 42, since one
end of the pressing member 30 is in close contact with the seating
part 110a of the base 110, and the at least one rib 130 is in close
contact with the contact surface 120a of the body 120, the loss of
pressure acting on the fluid supplying part 42 may be prevented. In
other words, the pressing member 30 presses the side surface of the
fluid supplying part 42, and thus pressure may be more effectively
transmitted to the fluid supplying part 42.
[0122] An upper surface of the fluid supplying part 42 is
relatively vulnerable to a cracking or a deposit of a foreign
substance. Therefore, when the pressing member 30 presses only the
upper surface of the fluid supplying part 42, it is difficult to
maintain the sealed state of the fluid supplying part 42 due to the
crack or the foreign substance. Therefore, the pressing member 30
may press at least one additional surface of the fluid supplying
part 42 as well as the upper surface of the fluid supplying part
42, and thus pressure may be effectively transmitted to the fluid
supplying part 42.
[0123] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, instead of
an up/down pressure transmission method of the pressing member with
respect to the fluid supplying part, a side pressure transmission
method is applied, and thus the loss of pressure acting on the
fluid supplying part by the coupling with the pressing member can
be prevented.
[0124] Also, since at least one rib is formed in the pressing
member, the close contact between the pressing member and the fluid
supplying part can be increased, and, thus, sealing performance of
the fluid supplying part can be enhanced by the contact with the
pressing member.
[0125] Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and
described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *